Democracy, NDIS, and Family: Bill Shorten’s Parting Words to Parliament

Minister for Government Services and the NDIS Bill Shorten at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Feb. 12, 2024. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

NDIS Minister and former Labor leader Bill Shorten delivered a deeply emotional valedictory address to the House of Representatives, as he stepped down from Parliament.

The speech, which lasted over 30 minutes, was followed by a few minutes of non-stop accolades from both sides of the chamber, a standing ovation, and a series of hugs and handshakes, all expressing the respect and admiration that Shorten has earned over his distinguished career.

The public gallery was filled with his family—his wife, Chloe, and their three children, Rupert, Gigi, and Clementine—seated proudly to the side of the House floor.

In addition to family members, senators were also present, including Foreign Minister Penny Wong, former union leader Bill Kelty, as well as former Premiers Mark McGowan of Western Australia and Morris Iemma of New South Wales.

Reflecting on His Journey

Shorten began his speech reflecting on how rare an opportunity it was to deliver a valedictory address.

“Of the 1244 individuals who’ve been elected to the House of Representatives, only 216 got the chance to say goodbye and give a valedictory,” he noted, acknowledging the privilege of his moment.

“Political life is indeed tough. Election, defeat, scandal, illness, Section 44. So I stand here neither defeated nor disposed … fortunate to be able to say goodbye and thank you.”

He expressed his first gratitude to his family, acknowledging the sacrifices they had made throughout his political journey.

“To Chloe [his wife], you cast everything around you in a golden light … To our three beautiful children, Rupert, Gigi, and Clementine, you’ve been conscripts to the rallies, the speeches, the branch meetings, the polling places, me after polling numbers, and every community event imaginable.”

Shorten also took time to thank the public servants, Parliament House staff, and his own team of staffers.

“You don’t have to sit in the parliament to serve the parliament or our nation. I thank all of the outstanding Commonwealth public servants that I’ve worked with over many years, from Treasury, ATO, education, workplace relations, the ADF, Hearing Australia, Services Australia, the NDIA, DSS, and many more.”

He even offered thanks to journalists and opposition members, quipping, “I’ve never had better coverage. My opponents have never been nicer.”

‘Jealously Guard’ Our Democracy: Shorten

Shorten used the occasion to deliver a stark warning about the state of democracy, both at home and abroad.

“Right now, around the globe, democracy is under greater challenge than at any time since the Second World War,” he declared.

“We cannot dismiss these threats just because we are the fortunate possessors of an island continent far away, hoping that our distance makes us immune from troubles elsewhere. We have to jealously guard and nourish our democracy, safeguard our pluralist society.”

Commitment to Labor’s Legacy

In his final speech as a politician, Shorten reiterated his unwavering commitment to the Labor Party, reflecting on the privilege of leading it.

“Serving as the Labor leader for nearly six years was the great privilege of my public life,” he said, proudly asserting that Labor’s values have always been grounded in fighting for what is right.

“Labor is always at its best when we know who and what we are fighting for,” he added.

Shorten reminded the House of some of the most significant actions taken under his leadership: “We stood against the cuts and authority of 2014. We stood for Medicare, education and pensioners. We stood for real action on climate …

“We stood against entrenched inequality and delivered genuine tax reform. We stood against everyday Australians being ripped off. We stood for the bank royal commission.”

A Call for Moderation in Politics

Shorten issued a powerful rallying call for moderation in politics, warning against the influence of radical elements.

“I am a proud moderate,” he said.

“My goal has always been to turn ideas into outcomes. I reject outright the argument that being moderate is a sign of conservatism or apathy.”

“I think being a moderate is an acknowledgement that Australians hold broad and diverse and competing views, but the majority in the middle should never be held hostage to the view of the zealous.”

Shorten also suggested that, on certain issues, party lines should be set aside for the greater good.

“There should be no dividing line any longer in this Parliament between those who are pro or anti-employer, between those who are pro or anti-union. This country no longer has the time to waste on that false choice. We can work together. Our nation needs this.”

A Lasting Legacy: The NDIS

Shorten highlighted the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), one of his most significant projects, and reflected on the profound impact it had.

“In creating the NDIS, we did not look to international precedent but instead created a global precedent because we know at our best in this parliament that the best in the world is only just good enough for the Australian people,” he said.

He called the NDIS “the most significant social reform in this century for Australia.”

“The NDIS gives dignity and agency to people with disability. It is by no means perfect, but it is changing hundreds of thousands of lives, giving them choice and control.”

Australia’s Challenges Ahead

Shorten also spoke about the challenges facing Australia in the years to come.

On climate change, he said, “It’s not a Labor, Liberal, Greens, or Teal issue. It’s the world we live in and the country we pass on to our grandchildren. It concerns every Australian.”

He voiced concern about the fairness of the country’s tax system, stressing that it unfairly taxes income over property.

“At the beginning of this year, the government created fairer income tax cuts for all working Australians. But I still remain convinced that our system still taxes property preferentially and lightly and income heavily.”

Shorten argued that Australia must continue to develop its own defence capabilities while maintaining existing alliances.

“The Pacific is not an empty ocean we fly over—rather, it is a blue continent of diverse cultures,” he said, calling for a greater focus on protecting the region from external threats.

Recognition for Indigenous People

On the issue of constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians, Shorten expressed hope for the future.

“I remain hopeful that with good faith on both sides that we can achieve recognition of Indigenous Australians in our nation’s birth certificate and genuine empowerment for our First Nations people, including the work of treaties,” he said.

Albanese on Shorten’s Remarkable Journey

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Shorten’s remarkable journey, noting his contributions in three phases: as a trade union leader, a member for Maribyrnong, and as a parliamentarian.

“As importantly, as one of the small number of people who’ve had the privilege of leading Australia’s oldest and greatest political party, the Australian Labor Party,” the prime minister said.

Albanese also acknowledged Shorten’s commitment to rebuilding the Labor Party after the 2019 defeat.

“No one had worked harder to rebuild Labor in opposition. Bill did it with distinction,” he said.

‘Shorten Would Have Made a Great PM’: Dutton

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also paid tribute to Shorten’s political legacy.

“The respect that people here have for you on both sides of the chamber and indeed across the broader community should be obvious to you today,” Dutton said.

He expressed empathy, recalling how he felt for Shorten following the 2019 defeat.

“I felt for him on election night at a human level, and there was a reasonable, very reasonable expectation that Labor would win that election.”

He went on to express his belief that Shorten, had he won the 2019 election, would have made a great prime minister.

Dutton also acknowledged Shorten’s political acumen, saying.

“With all due respect to some of my friends on the front bench and some of my enemies on the front bench, he has the best political judgment on the front bench of the Australian Labor Party, and he will be lost to the party.”